Cabinet ministers in Newfoundland and Labrador step aside to contest leadership

Premier Tom Marshall addresses attendees at the 2013 Order of Newfoundland and Labrador induction ceremony, Feb. 7, at Government House. Screenshot from GovNL footage.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Two cabinet ministers in Newfoundland and Labrador are stepping down to contest the leadership of the province’s governing Progressive Conservative party.

Premier Tom Marshall says he has appointed temporary replacements for Health Minister Paul Davis and Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Kent.

Nominations for the leadership race close Monday.

Marshall says Finance Minister Charlene Johnson will take charge of the health portfolio.

Clyde Jackman, minister of family services, will take on the municipal affairs job.

Former cabinet minister John Ottenheimer has also declared his candidacy in the race.

Nominations close Monday and a convention to pick a winner is scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 12.